August 14, 2026 3:52 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
August 14, 2026 3:52 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ

The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the CPUC Broadband Deployment Phase I Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding reliable, high-capacity internet service for Tribal communities and surrounding areas. Through this public bid process, CRIT is seeking qualified contractors to furnish, install, splice, and test outside plant fiber-optic infrastructure that will form the foundation of an expanded broadband network. The project will support improved connectivity along key regional corridors near the Reservation, including areas within San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and surrounding communities such as Blythe, Earp, and Parker Dam. This investment represents an important step toward strengthening digital access, supporting economic development, enhancing education and telehealth opportunities, and ensuring long-term technological resilience for CRIT members and neighboring communities. Proposals will be evaluated based on cost, qualifications, construction schedule, and Indian Preference in accordance with Tribal procurement policy.

Follow the links below for bidding information and specs.

Apendix A

Appendix B_CRIT CPUC_Phase 1_Contractor Bid Sheet_02.23.2026

Appendix C_CRIT CPUC_Phase I_Project Specifications_Sealed_02.23.2026

CRIT CPUC Phase I RFP_02.26.26

News Update November 12, 2025

Negotiations over the future of the Colorado River have reached a standstill after all seven basin states failed to meet a key federal deadline. Reports from 12News and 8NewsNow confirm that the states were unable to agree on a new water-sharing plan, leaving the situation unresolved as the river continues to decline.

High Country News explains that the biggest disagreements involve how much each state should give up in the future. The upper Basin states want fewer mandatory reductions, while the Lower Basin states, including Arizona, say they have already taken the deepest cuts and cannot continue to absorb the majority of the impacts.

With no agreement in place, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has asked the Trump administration to intervene. She stated that Arizona has made significant sacrifices and cannot carry the weight of the reductions while other states refuse to commit to measurable cuts. If the states cannot reach a plan soon, the federal government may create one for them.

For the Colorado River Indian Tribes, the outcome of these negotiations has major importance. CRIT holds valuable senior water rights and relies on a stable and fair management plan to ensure long-term security for the community and the region.

For more information, you can read the news articles with the links below.

8NewsNow
https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/colorado-river-negotiations-fail-to-meet-federal-deadline-for-7-state-agreement/

High Country News
https://www.hcn.org/articles/why-colorado-river-negotiations-are-so-difficult/

 

ABC 15 News
https://www.abc15.com/weather/impact-earth/why-gov-katie-hobbs-wants-trump-administration-to-broker-colorado-river-deal

 

12 News
/wednesday-is-deadline-for-7-state-including-arizona-to-negotiate-the-colorado-river

The CRIT Senior Center held a catered breakfast for CRIT elders on August 21st.

In addition to serving breakfast, Senior Center Director Jimi Mae Jackson and staff planned several activities including a picture trivia game, and a raffle for the attendees.  Jessica Moore and Allyx Harper from the CRIT Police Department also provided presentations.

 

The CRIT Senior Center would also like to thank Debbie Pettigrew from CRIT Cooperative Extension for donating groceries and pens to the CRIT Senior Center as well as everyone else who helped at the event.

 

The Bluewater Resort & Casino held a grand opening August 16th for their brand-new warehouse which is located to the west of the casino itself.

This 15,300 square foot steel building includes an office for the shipping and receiving team, as well as a storage room for IT equipment. Other features include vaulted ceilings and a state-of-the-art A/C delivery system that keeps the warehouse at cool 74 degrees.

Casino General Manager Shelli Eddy looks forward to bringing the casino further into the future with upgrades and events.

The building was built by Phoenix-based Gabet Construction with help from Rafael Quezada and Gabriel Ortega.  Eddy added, “We would like to thank anyone and everyone who participated in setting up the event for the grand opening as well as anyone who helped bring this idea to life.”

 

Kimberly Booth started her career with the Colorado River Indian Tribes on June 13,1988 as a Secretary with the Job Training and Partnership Act Program (JTPA) that eventually became with Employment, Development and Training Program (ED &T) in 1998.

In July of 1995, Kimberly was promoted to Program Coordinator, a position she held until March of 2014 when she was promoted to Director. Kimberly remains with the program and still holds this position today.

During her employment, Kimberly has earned several training certifications and attended numerous conferences to support her efforts in providing quality employment services to the CRIT community.

Kimberly has dedicated all of her 35 consecutive years of service to the ED & T Program.

The Tribal Council and Human Resources Department thanks Kimberly for 35 years of continued service to the Colorado River Indian Tribes.